Spurs trying to get Raja Bell?

[jag]

What else is out there in free agency for 2.4 million that is Bowen-like then Jag?

There isn't a single player out there who is bowen-like. I don't care if you make an argument for Bell to contribute, but you, and many others were acting like 2004 Raja Bell was running around in free agency.

[ElNono]

It doesn't matter if bell is unable to keep up with quality SG's and SF's. He's going to get reputation calls. Ok bro

None of the remaining available players can keep up with quality SG's and SF's.
Bell however is probably the best available of said players, and unlike Hairston, he can knock down the corner three, which is a need for us.
And if he doesn't work out, much like the centerpiece last season, you can always give his minutes to any of the other guys. It's not like we need to let got of Temple/Hairston/Anderson to sign Bell.

And Bell sure as is going to get much more of a pass from refs than any rookie. If you don't think so, you haven't been watching basketball for long.

[MaNu4Tres]

but you, and many others were acting like 2004 Raja Bell was running around in free agency.

Not really, Raja Bell would be great insurance on the wing that can provide 3 point shooting and defense for 15-20 minutes a night. Nothing more.

I wouldn't mind Spurs standing pat and giving Hairston and Anderson the opportunity, I would love it actually.

I just think Bell is the best fit for what is available on the MLE.

[jag]

And Bell sure as is going to get much more of a pass from refs than any rookie. If you don't think so, you haven't been watching basketball for long.

I'd rather have a guy who knows the system and has athletic ability out on the perimeter challenging shots than have a guy you hope can get away with a few vet calls.

Not really, Raja Bell would be great insurance on the wing that can provide 3 point shooting and defense for 15-20 minutes a night. Nothing more.

I wouldn't mind Spurs standing pat and giving Hairston and Anderson the opportunity, I would love it actually.

I just think Bell is the best fit for what is available on the MLE.

I wouldn't say he's lost a lot of lateral quickness. He may have lost a small step, but he still would be our best perimeter defender

I think it's obvious he's lost much more than just a small step. That's where we disagree. I think Bell would be a nice addition for the vet min, because i think they can do better with $2.4 mil.

[rmt]

Again, when i say the Spurs aren't forced to go with him, that obviously applies to both ends of the floor. Matt hustles, has good footwork and plays fundamental D. He struggles when he's forced to guard highly athletic players - Marion with Dallas, Amare with the Suns - and the Spurs couldn't play McDyess 40 min and were many times forced to go with Bonner. This shouldn't be the issue any more. His defense isn't changing, so if he's hitting from the outside he's a great asset. If he's not, the Spurs don't have to give him minutes, especially if he's facing unfavorable defensive matchups.

I don't understand when people say Bonner "hustles, has good footwork and plays fundamental D." What is the end result - does he come up with a steal or rebound or does he stop or change the opponent's shot? No - so what good is that hustle, good footwork and fundamental D? If he's not hitting from outside, he's not just useless but a detriment to the team (both in taking mins. away from Splitter and Blair and from overworking Duncan who has to cover for him). He struggles against all players and he's always facing unfavorable defensive matchups. Is there any favorable defensive matchup for Bonner?

I should just console myself with the high probability that as Bonner gets worse 3 years from now, Splitter will be getting better and that as that 3.5 mil of Bonner will look horrible, Splitter's pay will look like a bargain.

I think most posters are complaining about the years and money that he got. If he was getting 1 year at the minimum, no one would be griping.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't understand when people say Bonner "hustles, has good footwork and plays fundamental D." What is the end result - does he come up with a steal or rebound or does he stop or change the opponent's shot? No - so what good is that hustle, good footwork and fundamental D? If he's not hitting from outside, he's not just useless but a detriment to the team (both in taking mins. away from Splitter and Blair and from overworking Duncan who has to cover for him). He struggles against all players and he's always facing unfavorable defensive matchups. Is there any favorable defensive matchup for Bonner?

Gee, if only the Spurs had guys like Theo Ratliff and Ian Mahinmi who could play post defense and get blocks and rebound. When Bonner is overmatched and playing out of position against the other team's front line, why is Bonner the one who's blamed for it?

BTW, complaining about how much money he got is pretty stupid until we find out how much money he actually got.

[lefty]

What else is out there in free agency for 2.4 million that is Bowen-like then Jag?

Bowen

[jag]

I don't understand when people say Bonner "hustles, has good footwork and plays fundamental D." What is the end result - does he come up with a steal or rebound or does he stop or change the opponent's shot? No - so what good is that hustle, good footwork and fundamental D? If he's not hitting from outside, he's not just useless but a detriment to the team (both in taking mins. away from Splitter and Blair and from overworking Duncan who has to cover for him). He struggles against all players and he's always facing unfavorable defensive matchups. Is there any favorable defensive matchup for Bonner?

I should just console myself with the high probability that as Bonner gets worse 3 years from now, Splitter will be getting better and that as that 3.5 mil of Bonner will look horrible, Splitter's pay will look like a bargain.

I think most posters are complaining about the years and money that he got. If he was getting 1 year at the minimum, no one would be griping.

Bonner knows the system and isn't a guy who's going to leave you hanging on defensive rotations. At best he gets a hand up, challenges the shot and stays out of foul trouble. I already agreed with you on the bold part. If he does hit from the outside, though, he's great for the entire Spurs offense. Not sure why the Spurs gave him that deal, maybe he had other offers...who knows? With depth at PF/C, I expect the Spurs to be smart with Bonner's minutes.

When Bonner is overmatched and playing out of position against the other team's front line, why is Bonner the one who's blamed for it?

[EricB]

Shame Duncan couldn't Do a little recruiting himself...

[TJastal]

I heard Raja Bell has learned to use a new technique to slow down opposing penetrators. By focusing his "KI" (taught by a super secret martial artist who wishes to remain anonymous) he can actually form short bursts of energy waves generated from high pitched screams that only a canine can hear. So in effect he can trip, push, grab, or pull opponents using only his vocal cords while clueless referees can't stop him.

This will totally rock dudes! No wonder Kobe wants him!

[ElNono]

Gee, if only the Spurs had guys like Theo Ratliff and Ian Mahinmi who could play post defense and get blocks and rebound. When Bonner is overmatched and playing out of position against the other team's front line, why is Bonner the one who's blamed for it?

If we're looking for rebounding we have a really short kid that rebounds at twice the rate, but gets half the minutes... just sayin'

[21_Blessings]

Shame Duncan couldn't Do a little recruiting himself...

He's too busy playing the out Starcraft 2 with D-Rob.

[Man In Black]

The other consideration is that keeping Bell away from the Lakers forces Bryant to continue to play heavy minutes. With Brown opting out, that leaves Vujasuck as his primary backup. IF the Spurs get Bell, that reason alone helps them against the Lakers.

[lefty]

Lakers trying to get Bell ?

http://www.sportsbookgurus.com/news/...e-to-la-lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will meet with free agent guard Raja Bell to discuss a possible move to L.A. The two had a heated rivalry when Bell played for the Phoenix Suns, but now Bryant needs Bell’s talents on the Lakers if he is to compete with the new “Big Three” of the Miami Heat. The two are scheduled to meet Wednesday in L.A. to discuss the numbers it would take to bring Bell to the Lakers. Bell will make the trip to attend ESPN’s ESPY awards show, and meet the 2008 NBA MVP. Bell has admitted to reporters that he has already had several telephone conversations with Bryant.
The rivalry between Bell and Bryant climaxed in the 2006 NBA playoffs. The Suns knocked out the Lakers in a seven-game fight to advance to the second round. In the fifth game of that series, Bell hit Bryant with a clothesline that defined the animosity shown by the two teams towards each other.
Since his run with the Suns, Bell has been playing for the irrelevant Charlotte Bobcats and Golden State Warriors. Bell was traded to the Bobcats along with Boris Diaw and Sean Singletary, for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley.
Bell was again traded in 2009, this time to the Golden State Warriors, for Stephen Jackson and Acie Law. At the conclusion of the 2009 NBA season he was released by the Warriors, allowing the Lakers to take steps to sign the 33-year old.
The Lakers have been making key off-season moves so far this summer. They signed the former Portland Trailblazer and L.A. Clipper point guard Steve Blake. Signing Blake means the Lakers have $1.8 million left in salary cap room to offer Bell.
Phil Jackson’s backcourt is also bolstered by the recent resigning of Derek Fisher to the club. Fisher was a key piece of the Lakers’ championship puzzle last season, and the Heat took notice by trying to sign him. Shannon Brown also has not ruled out coming back to the team for a chance at another le.
Bryant is reportedly ready to put the past behind them in order to complete his second three-peat of his career. Kobe has obviously been paying attention to NBA news while watching the World Cup in South Africa. He could be feeling the breath of Dwyane Wade, and his new Heat teammates Chris Bosh and LeBron James down the back of his neck.
NBA sportsbooks have set the Heat as the favorite to win the 2011 NBA championship at 7/4 odds. The Lakers’ pre-season chances to three-peat have been set at 11/4.

[HarlemHeat37]

Raja Bell is such a if he goes to LA..whoring himself out for a ring after Kobe embarrassed him through the media..

[Obstructed_View]

If we're looking for rebounding we have a really short kid that rebounds at twice the rate, but gets half the minutes... just sayin'

And I am SOOOOO with you on that. I thought Blair should have been starting early into last season. Maybe he can now that there's a legitimate seven footer to start at center next to Timmy. That was the worst part of trying to pigeonhole Bonner into any kind of a real 4-5 role instead of as just a role playing three point shooter.

[ElNono]

And I am SOOOOO with you on that. I thought Blair should have been starting early into last season. Maybe he can now that there's a legitimate seven footer to start at center next to Timmy. That was the worst part of trying to pigeonhole Bonner into any kind of a real 4-5 role instead of as just a role playing three point shooter.

[TD 21]

He's probably going to the Lakers. Bryant is seemingly persuasive and most players seem to be in awe of him and even somewhat scared of him, like they can't say no to him. Also, he's been recruiting Bell since at least the beginning of free agency, which will make him feel wanted.

Sure, the Spurs have probably been in constant contact with his agent and have had interest going back to last season, but has Duncan or Parker been recruiting him? I doubt it.

You can look at it and say "the Spurs gave him a shot in '01", but they also cut him. That very season, he stuck for good in the league, so he probably feels like he shouldn't have been cut. Throw in the Spurs-Suns battles of the mid-aughts and my guess is he probably isn't overly interested in signing with the Spurs.

I'd assume priority number one is to win a championship at this point. I remember him being on ESPN during the playoffs and analyzing the Spurs-Suns series before it began and I could just tell that he didn't really think of the Spurs as legit contenders. The financial difference probably isn't big enough (I think $650,000) for him to go to the Spurs over the Lakers based solely on that.

Minutes and opportunity will have to win the day for the Spurs. With the Lakers, he'll be firmly entrenched as the third wing, with no chance to start or finish. With the Spurs, he'll have a chance to start and even on occasion finish.

[ducks]

lakers are talking to kurt thomas now
means bell said no

[EricB]

Uh no it doesn't.....

[MaNu4Tres]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slu...gentbuzz071310

Free-agent buzz: Lakers, Spurs chase Bell

By Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports 6 hours, 40 minutes ago

The Los Angeles Lakers have long targeted Raja Bell(notes) in free agency, and now one of his biggest boosters within the two-time defending champions – Kobe Bryant(notes) – will be working to close a deal with an old, fierce rival, league sources told Yahoo! Sports

Bell is traveling to Los Angeles later this week for a visit that sources said is expected to include an audience with Bryant. After helping to keep Derek Fisher(notes) with a three-year, $10.5 million contract on Monday, the Lakers have one available spot in their rotation that comes down to Bell and Shannon Brown(notes).

The Miami Heat are tying to recruit Bell, but it appears the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs could be the two top remaining suitors for Bell.

The Lakers have a little less than $1.8 million of their midlevel exception left to pay Bell after agreeing to a four-year, $16 million contract with point guard Steve Blake(notes).

After agreeing with 2007 first-round pick Tiago Splitter(notes) on a three-year, $10.9 million contract, the Spurs have nearly $2.4 million left in the midlevel exception to offer Bell.

The Spurs had Bell in training camp in 2001, and always regretted cutting him before the season. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich helped persuade Larry Brown to sign Bell later that season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Bell helped guard Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals.

Bell, 33, was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in November as part of the Stephen Jackson(notes) trade with the Charlotte Bobcats. Bell missed all but six games last season.

Bell famously dropped Bryant with a clothesline foul in the 2006 playoffs, but the two developed a mutual respect. Bell was ejected and suspended a game for the foul and complained about Bryant’s tactics in the postgame news conference.

“It’s a personal thing when someone continually hits you in the face,” Bell said at the time. “That’s the only way I can put it. I’ve been playing as hard as I can play. I’ve been trying to do a good job, I’ve been trying to be what my team needs me to be, and I continually get hit in my face. There doesn’t seem to be any boundaries or limitations for what he’s allowed to do to me, and at that point, I kind of lost my cool and I took it into my own hands.”

Bell made a league-high 205 3-pointers in the 2006-07 season for the Suns under coach Mike D’Antoni, but his role changed the next season under Terry Porter and he was eventually shipped to Charlotte. Bell averaged 13 points in 45 games for the Bobcats in the 2008-09 season.

[MaNu4Tres]

Bell is evidently the Spurs first option with Jones as a possible fallback.

[Blackjack]

Jones must be the fallback. That's why the Spurs haven't pulled the trigger.

[ChumpDumper]

Get someone over 6'6".

[Blackjack]

Get someone over 6'6".

Would be nice. It'd be nice if you could count on them to be on the court as well, should you sign someone.